OCRA-0013 - Tales: Summoning of Spirits [Archive] - Page 2

evktalo

04-10-2009, 06:50 AM

I've advanced in my voyage slightly.

Disc 2, trak 6: Just Go

This track has a fantastic sound right from the bat. Gorgeous strings right at the start, with a subtle synth enhancing the mood. It slowly begins to consend, with strings and brass coming in with a 6/8 figure on top of the straight timed strings. That's how I hear it, especially as the beat that comes in is 4/4. Slow bass and fast beat for the win! The whole track has a gliding feel, and the smooth sound helps the impression. Love those brass staccattos, both high and low. And then there's the guitar - I'd probably have liked this track even without it, but it's really the icing on the cake. I love the sound, and I also like how it sort of stands out. The sound is quite full, it overshadows the backing when it plays a bit, but that works - it's supposed to be the lead, right?

I find this track an examplary blend of orchestral/electronic/rock sounds and styles. This is because it incorporates all these elements, but sounds like it's own piece - I didn't think of it in genre terms before writing this, and I feel a lot of orchestral/electronic/rock blends rub their genre fusion aspects on my face as I listen. (Ulgh, sounds dirty..) That's alright in itself but I do think this piece is a notch above a lot of the "competition".

Larry in the panel thought this one could use more hooks. OA said in the review thread that the lead guitar without having a rhythm part on the guitar makes it sound a little floating - and that this was an oversight. I mention this as my experiencing of this track makes both of these things, lack of obvious hooks and lack of rhythm guitar, assets. They help the overall gliding feel, which is the essence of this piece. It is so well executed that the piece as a whole is one giant meat-hook for me. Certainly, I can't be sure how much better the piece might be if some hooks or rhythm guitar was added. But perfection comes not when there's nothing more you can add - it comes when there's nothing more you can take away. Well, at least in classic Japanese gardening I hear. :)

Disc 2, track 7: City of Vigor

A solo piano piece that starts out very somberly. I absolutely love those blue notes (if that's the correct term). From the beginning's minor feel, it changes into mostly major feel around halfway (with a very nice "premonition" towards the beginning). This transformation works extremely well! It gives the piece a succesful storylike structure. While the playing isn't quite as eloquent as the top solo piano pieces in OCR, the arrangement, the pacing (I love the tempo changes) and the dynamics are definitely up there.

This track is well placed between Just Go (high-energy, enermous sounding track) and New Technology (harsh, enermous sounding track). It's obviously not a slow or chill-out piece by itself (with the fast middle section), but the fact that it's a solo piano piece between those two tracks makes the sequence quite dynamic.

Now I haven't checked most of the source tunes for the pieces, but I did for this one, Vigorous Town from Youtube. Is that the sole source for this piece? i.e. did you change the source into minor for the first half?

--Eino

pu_freak

04-10-2009, 02:34 PM

Thanks for the feedback and the kind words :D
Yea, Vigorous Town is the (only) source and I did change the first bit (after the original stuff) into minor.

I did however, end with a bit (credits/ending) from Zelda 3, but that's just the final 30 seconds or so

KyleJCrb

04-10-2009, 03:19 PM

PriZm

04-10-2009, 08:45 PM

I demand that all people who complained about the project taking a long time to be released do a track-by-track review of it just like evktalo.

Rexy

04-11-2009, 01:02 AM

I did however, end with a bit (credits/ending) from Zelda 3, but that's just the final 30 seconds or so

Surprisingly, I never noticed that (great source tune too), but anyway, I offer a belated welcome to the "secret referees for random crap" club :D

KyleJCrb

04-11-2009, 10:10 AM

Spotlight is gone from the front page. I am saddinated.

pu_freak

04-12-2009, 03:45 PM

We cannot let this happen unpunished!

Palpable

04-15-2009, 03:50 AM

OK, I'm ready to try this. TRACK-BY-TRACK REVIEW. I wish I was familiar with either of these games, so I could say anything about the arrangement of the sources, but I can't. :sad: With four discs, I also can't really get into the detail I do on votes, so I'm just gonna highlight things I thought were unique for each track. Have to say, awesome sequencing on the whole project, there were a lot of good transitions.

Disc 1:

The Unholy Wars - Intro is a great mislead, especially knowing that dhsu had a part in this. Thought it would be more piano-focused, augmented by light instrumentation. Should have known Sixto would throw in massive guitar and synths pretty soon, bombarding my ears. Great track to open with.

Crisis Healing Salve - Typically remixes that blend orchestral instrumentation with guitars tend to be bombastic, so I thought it was cool that this track was more scaled back and moody, almost like chamber music. Haven't heard many songs like this.

The Koan of Drums - I actually think this one of djp's weakest tracks of the last few years, though his quality tends to be pretty high and there's still a lot to like here. The blend of ethnic instruments with light electronics hits an interesting subset of emotions, and there's some cool moments, but it's not as full sounding as it feels like it should be.

Airborne - Very wistful, playful track, and I think it's pretty different from the typical piano arrangement we get, which tends to be darker. Good stuff, well-played like dhsu's stuff usually is.

Arche Angel - With its short length and background-y sound, this comes off like an album interlude, but it's still a pretty track. I like the way it winds down.

Chronometrical - The clock ticks are a great element to build a track around. I like how rigid a lot of the synths and drums are, which plays up the mechanical nature. Great mood and chords; I thought the fadeout ending could have been more interesting though.

Setting Sail - Cinematic and bombastic, very strong melodies and composition. Reminds me of several classic movie scores. I have no idea how much of this comes from the original game, but TheDeath did an excellent job selling it. One of my favorites from the project.

Mirror Image - A little disjointed, but boy, does it kick ass at 1:04. I appreciate the hazy, uneasy mood that is trying to be reached in the beginning and end, and the mix of instruments is interesting, but I don't think it was quite pulled off.

Frozen Heart - Loud piano, but a great beat and vibe. Very crisp production. The detuning of some instruments gives it a interesting, unsettling mood, similar to Mirror Image.

Momentary - Feels like another interlude, but again, not a criticism. Thought the piano could have had a fuller sound, but I liked the gentleness and brightness of the song.

Gentry is a Five Letter Word - Nice segue from the previous track. I hear a lot of good arrangement ideas here, and 5/4 done well is always fun to hear, but the instruments could be higher quality. Sequencing is solid though, for what is used.

Wind Dry My Tears - The guitar tuning bothered me a little, but there's some nice playing and arranging here once I got past that. Cool change-up at 3:05. Slow and sad, good way to close disc 1.

Other discs to come another day.

The Joker

04-15-2009, 08:24 AM

Funny you should mention that, Palpable. Interludes. That's exactly what those 2 tracks are. So, yeah, awesomeness!

Rexy

04-15-2009, 03:01 PM

Thanks for the first CD's writeups, Vinnie. :) Don't worry about unfamiliarity with the source material, I felt exactly the same way when I passed my feedback on Rise of the Star.

To be fair, my current home production setup is still being built upon, so I'll take the tech crits aside regarding the soundbank for Gentry. Still, thanks for the feedback regarding that.

If you thought the transition to there from Momentary was good, wait til you reach Disc 4 :D

KyleJCrb

04-15-2009, 03:37 PM

Vinnie acquired new status: Über-Awesome.

PriZm

04-16-2009, 09:58 PM

Vinnie acquired new status: Über-Awesome.

Not yet ! You have to give him a weaker compliment first so that he craves for more. I mean hot girls don't fuck on a first date now do they ? YOU CAN BE THAT HOT GIRL

KyleJCrb

04-17-2009, 10:47 AM

Not yet ! You have to give him a weaker compliment first so that he craves for more. I mean hot girls don't fuck on a first date now do they ? YOU CAN BE THAT HOT GIRL

I'll keep the hot girls (even if they are mechanical) confined to my sig, thanks.

Platinum Azure

04-18-2009, 12:26 AM

I'm really bad at reviewing things in-depth (and I'm late as hell), so I apologize... but I'll keep this brief.

Very cool stuff. Good work to everyone. All of these tracks are now regulars on my playlists. Love it.

Palpable

04-18-2009, 08:45 PM

Vinnie acquired new status: Über-Awesome.

Well, my job is done. See you suckers later!

Ahem...

Disc 2:

Beyond Absentminded - I always love hearing vocal mixes, especially mixes with multiple vocal parts, and this one doesn't disappoint. The guitar part fifths (I think those are fifths?) in the middle are a great addition, a little unsettling. A deceptively simple, well-done song.

Summoned Without Reason - This song throws us into the thick of it right away. Nothing wrong with that. The lovely synth and chime parts contrast the high-energy backing track nicely. Another great Sixto solo pretty much clinches this as a standout track.

Middle-Aselia Biology - Nice mood-building and woodwind work; like Rexy's first track, I like the ideas even if the production could stand to be improved.

Cold Memory - Beautiful atmosphere, nice interplay of instruments. Love the subtle ambient washes and bells peppered in there. It would easily fit into a modern RPG.

Simplified Design - Solidly put together rock song, with good energy and crunch. Sorry to say, but I thought some of the small detours in here like the detuned piano and horn blast didn't work, which was disappointing, because the detours are the really unique elements. The rest of it works.

Just Go - Another standout for me, a gorgeous mix of atmospheric orchestral work, beats, and the Greatest Guitar Tone Ever. I gushed enough in the decision thread (http://www.ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17324).

City of Vigor - A moody piano piece that shifts between loneliness and optimism. The chords are pretty and they transition naturally - the shifts never feel sudden. Not that ambitious a song, but good for what it is.

New Technology - Can always count on Overcoat for some textures I've never heard before. I really like the wavering thing coming in at 0:23, the slightly distorted beat, the gated synth that gets up in your face at 2:25. Head-melting.

Horizon's Walk - I love how staccato the song is without losing its natural, live feel. Very comparable to Craig David, if you've heard him. It's neat how the piano and acoustic guitar fill out the song throughout, playing a background role, yet are still distinct and beautiful if you pay attention to them.

Riddles in the Dark - Another ambitious juxtaposition of electronic beats with natural instruments (= good segue!). Lot of unexpected but engrossing changes, like the jazzy piano halfway through and the harsher textures and double-speed towards the end. It's hard to believe all that fits in one song.

As Time Goes On - Sexy sax and lonely vocal over an intriguing backing track built of tremolo guitar and organ. Somehow it works. :-P There is some melody clashing, but I enjoyed the unique mix of sounds and emotions in this in spite of that.

Deity - Trance like this would almost seem out-of-place on this album, but the piano in the beginning and the dark mood tie it in. High energy and epic without being too flashy, very easy to listen to, even at seven minutes.

Sweet Dreams - Just kidding, this is easy to listen to. Lovely way to round out two discs full of darker material and some harsh elements. Very soothing and expertly-played - this is fire-side music.

Wizard CaT

04-20-2009, 03:01 AM

Hi Guys(and Gals),

I've been getting music from OCRemix since... well since the site was all about the comic, but I felt like I should register and say great job.

According to my work computer & home computer I've listened about 35 times to the album in its entirety (select songs over 60). I'm a tax accountant :sleepdepriv: and since the album was released I haven't actually listened to anything else at work (all 12 hours of it... work that is). I could start humming the next song just from how the one I'm listening to ends by now. My biggest complaint was No Better Time Than Now is only a bonus track since it is my favorite song! I do wish all of that other bonus music on the site was in the torrent though, I didn't even see it until this thread (just assumed it was all the the torrent D: ) It is so hard to pick out what songs are my favorite; Gentry, Beyond Absentminded, Chronometrical (which has a CT feel to me but honestly that might just be the clock and that I've been doing CT DS on the rides home), Desert Nights, Koan of Drums, well I could probably just say all of them. Really the only thing I didn't like was the website in the album metadata instead of in the comment area, and thats just because of my portable music player. And thanks for giving us FLAC too!

KyleJCrb

04-20-2009, 03:11 AM

My biggest complaint was No Better Time Than Now is only a bonus track since it is my favorite song!

I don't think the fact that it's a bonus track ruins the excellence of the song (which is one of my favorites as well). The only reason why it's a "bonus track" anyway is because it's not from the two main games the album covered (Tales of Phantasia and the original Tales of Symphonia), but rather an extra arrangement from the new Tales of Symphonia Wii sequel. We weren't trying to downplay the 3 bonus tracks, just making sure it was known that they're separate from the rest of the rest of the project.

Anyway, glad you enjoy the album so much!

Wizard CaT

04-20-2009, 04:49 AM

I don't think the fact that it's a bonus track ruins the excellence of the song (which is one of my favorites as well). The only reason why it's a "bonus track" anyway is because it's not from the two main games the album covered (Tales of Phantasia and the original Tales of Symphonia), but rather an extra arrangement from the new Tales of Symphonia Wii sequel. We weren't trying to downplay the 3 bonus tracks, just making sure it was known that they're separate from the rest of the rest of the project.

Anyway, glad you enjoy the album so much!

Well now I feel bad as I didn't mean it that seriously; I didn't think you guys were slighting the bonus songs. Definitely a good way to spend 4 hours. Or 144 hours in my case. And climbing.

andyjayne

04-20-2009, 06:46 PM

Any idea why my 'bio' is still missing?

Fishy

04-20-2009, 09:16 PM

Just Go - Greatest Guitar Tone Ever.

Aw shucks, you guys.

(btw, you'd all cry if you saw how bodged my setup was back then)

KyleJCrb

04-20-2009, 10:21 PM

Any idea why my 'bio' is still missing?

djpretzel hates you.

Emunator

04-28-2009, 04:52 AM

I don't really have time to give my full impressions of the album, which I'd like to do at some point because it's one of my favorite album projects ever, but I've got one question about a particular track that's been eating at me.

On VGMDB, it says that injury contributed vocals to "Altar Perception" (which is, by far, my favorite track on the album and one of my favorite songs of all time) but honestly, I can't hear any vocals whatsoever. Can someone help me find them? This has been killing me for quite some time now :P

KyleJCrb

04-28-2009, 05:01 AM

Dhsu

04-28-2009, 06:25 AM

And I did like 20 seconds of bassline lol.

evktalo

04-28-2009, 08:29 AM

It's not much, but it's there.

On the contrary, they make a great mix even greater. (I know you didn't mean this but still. =) )

--Eino

Palpable

04-29-2009, 08:54 PM

Sir_NutS

04-29-2009, 10:14 PM

I'm glad some people are liking my tracks, even though they were some of the oldest tracks in the album (I think I submitted the first completed track) and I could have retouched them before the release.

I listen to them now and I can hear a lot of things that could be improved (Piano in frozen heart is too loud, tone down some dissonance in deity, etc.) but as I said, they were really old and the source files got lost in hard drive crashes etc.

I think they are enjoyable nonetheless. Also, thanks for the comments :).

Palpable

04-29-2009, 11:07 PM

Onward!

Disc 3

Tales & Trials - This is a lot more optimistic and forward than the first two discs, though there is an undercurrent of their distanced moodiness. Something of a fanfare to herald disc 3, solid orchestral song.

This Fate - Brooding but oppressive, a song that would be right at home in a modern RPG. Hushed and cinematic, which makes the moments of bombast that smack you all the better.

Smile and Forgive - A tranquil song that I feel like I've heard before. The percussion is fun and spices it up a lot, keeps it from getting too ambient. I also love the moment where it sounds like it's going to break into a groove but stops.

Cafe Mantra - I love the intimate atmosphere and warmth, great bass. Very clean sound, almost lonely in how isolated the instruments are. The percussion ties it nicely to the preceding track, even though the styles are different.

Chaotic Heart - Leave it to Sixto to ruin the mood built up by the first half. :razz: To be fair, this is a little more laidback than his other cuts, relying more on a mellow, expressive playing than crunch. Good vibe.

Desert Nights - Back to something more peaceful... oops, j/k. Nice fakeout to disco bass and brass. Well-timed sax solo, though on paper it doesn't seem like it should work. Actually, the whole song is like that.

Strike of the Devil's Axes - Another mood-breaker, but I'll take it. Good energy, good playing, just good ol' solid rock. And a very unexpected jazzy section in the middle.

Pain Withstanding - Hard to classify, this skirts genre lines in a unique way. The organ is probably the most distinctive element, and it reminds me of 70's rock, but the piano, strings, and martial drums pull in the orchestral direction. Then there's jerky electronica drums too just to confuse the heck out of me. It does end up being a little disjointed, but there are moments where it really comes together.

Determination - Not too far from the last song stylistically, this pairs D&B percussion with softer, organic instruments. This combination almost always works for me and this is no exception, and the queasy detuning adds some uniqueness.

Ain't Yo' Fool - OK, wasn't expecting this one, though I guess it shares some similarity to Desert Nights. The groove is fun, though the tireless energy level of the brass gets a little wearing by the end.

Antegenesis - More 70's rock sound, this time a more obvious connection. Whatever the source sounded like, it's pretty well-suited to prog, because this sounds totally natural. I like the shift to blues in the middle for a more steady groove, then back to prog again for the lengthy ending.

The Fall of Iselia - Very emotional piece, starting with calm piano, eventually adding strings and power as it breaks into a minor key climax. Great composition, and a good ending for this disc. I'm curious to check out the original to see how much the remixer added to it!

Rexy

04-30-2009, 06:51 AM

They're deep in the mix, hard to pick out from the other stuff going on. If you don't think of them as vocals, they can just as easily sound like another random instrument. But listen at, for example, 2:04, and you can hear Starla going "ooooooooh" behind the cello. It's not much, but it's there.

Yeah, I knew that Starla had contributed vocals, but it took at least a couple of listens before the project's release (yay archive leeching) to figure out that they aren't going to be overlayered choir vocals (a la Destiny's works) and more like something as a background accompaniment, as you'd stated.

So yeah... call me one of the more alert ones :P

KyleJCrb

05-03-2009, 07:41 AM

Pretty lukewarm review on Last.fm (originally posted in Spanish), but I thought it an interesting read: http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.last.fm%2Fuser%2FKada i%2Fjournal%2F2009%2F03%2F24%2F2lad8g_summoning_of ..._here_my_two_cents&sl=es&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

I find it funny that the translation calls the piano-to-guitar transition in The Unholy Wars "scandalous". And sorry Dhsu, but this person apparently REALLY did not like Aviators. From what the translation seems to say, they couldn't even listen to the whole thing.

I see something about the tags being wrong in the files. Not sure what that's about, considering Larry and I spent a long time pouring over the tags making sure they were correct... But whatev.

Also, Letters Vs. Numbers podcast (the offical podcast of Game Music 4 All (http://gamemusic4all.blogspot.com/)) played Sixto Sounds - Go The Distance and talked a little about the album (FOUR discs, guys. FOUR discs!): http://hotdogstorm.com/genoboost/lvn/LVNnoncast%20%2302_Bears_.mp3

Dhsu

05-03-2009, 07:47 AM

Haha, yeah I read that a while ago. Ah well, can't please everybody.

By the way, thanks for the track-by-track reviews, Palpable! They're much appreciated.

Rozovian

05-03-2009, 08:53 AM

Hah, Airborne is great. :D It sounds like those classics that have become piano training songs that everyone that has had the necessary years of piano lessons should have learned.

You're welcome to do stuff like that for the sd3 project, Dhsu, if you're interested. /shameless invite :D

Palpable

05-03-2009, 03:35 PM

I got some time today so why not:

Disc 4

Disillusioned Fate - Fun to hear songs that blend the orchestral, dark rock, and synth styles present on these discs. Pretty much covers everything! Drums could be stronger, but overall a well-made track that sustains mood across genres.

Continental Divide - Starts off like a dirge, but picks up a minute in with staccato strings. I like the transition a lot and though it remains quiet, there's a tugging along that keeps it lively. Very nice production.

Like a Glint - It's funny how I get a sense of the original soundtrack just from listening to the arrangements. There's several heavy rock songs, so presumably a number of the original songs sound rock-ish to begin with. This stands with the best of the rock cuts. Great runs, and I like the switching between half-speed and regular speed.

Cartesian Warfare - This sounds like it needs more to fill it out (maybe just playing with the mixing), but good guitaring, good variety in playing across all instruments.

Sacred Ashes - A switch to piano orchestral, yet the same mood and key as the last song. Oh those transitions. A good interlude built of long, thoughtful notes that doesn't drag.

Altar Perception - Lots to like here, especially the cello and the song's beautiful rises and falls. A mildly unusual set of instruments (the drums particularly), but a singular, cohesive sound. Great track.

Dream Traveler - There's something very classically dramatic about this one, I like it. The strings execution is weak in comparison to the piano, but it's a background instrument and the song is still enjoyable.

My Secret Forest - Hard to hear Reuben's stuff without feeling sad, but this one especially. Beautiful expression and writing in all instruments, great stuff he left us with.

On the Edge - Like the guitar tone a lot, it gives the track a great edge and unique sound. Synths are integrated well. The mixing could be more balanced though.

Apogee - High energy song that is a great mix of talents. A little gothic definitely. The intro and outro are cool bookends to the piece.

Dark Corner - Covered this one here (http://www.ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=22312). Lots of stuff to recommend even though it was a liberal take. Great guitar sounds, cool use of uneven meters.

Holy Judgement - Pretty much the definition of epic. Over 12 minutes, but barely repeats any ideas. Everything is well-executed and flows very naturally, from heavenly choir to light rock to slow grind.

Summoning of Spirits - I think this was my favorite of Rexy's tracks. Good build and movement, through a variety of sections. Those high frequency instruments need to be toned down though. Nice way to end it!

FIN!

Oh right, the bonus tracks. Do I have to? :?

No Better Time Than Now - Very catchy track, I've found myself humming it from time to time. Love the harmonies. Quite exploratory with the source, both in melody and instrumentation.

Standing Up - Pretty much sums up the album, orchestral elements paired with rock drums and touches of electronic elements. Very downbeat and delicate. Love the subtle grinding guitar coming in near the end.

Go the Distance - How can you not love this guy? Such great energy and riffs, and awesome to see him branching out into different leads beyond guitar and synth on this track.

PriZm

05-03-2009, 05:30 PM

You are now officially uber-awesome :)

Thanks

KyleJCrb

05-03-2009, 05:35 PM

Like a Glint - It's funny how I get a sense of the original soundtrack just from listening to the arrangements. There's several heavy rock songs, so presumably a number of the original songs sound rock-ish to begin with.

Well, you know how those RPG battle themes are. Especially ones by Motoi Sakuraba.

Thanks for the track-by-track, Vinnie. You is de kewlest judj!

Kureejii Lea

05-03-2009, 06:28 PM

Thanks for taking the time to cover everything and give us your thoughts, Palpable.

KyleJCrb

05-04-2009, 08:13 AM

Rexy

05-04-2009, 11:41 AM

See, I TOLD you I could see something in Sylvarant's field music!
I pass my congrats to Showroom Dummy as well, and of course to Palpable for his extensive commentary on all tracks :D

PriZm

05-04-2009, 03:57 PM

See, I TOLD you I could see something in Sylvarant's field music!
I pass my congrats to Showroom Dummy as well, and of course to Palpable for his extensive commentary on all tracks :D

See ? Track-by-track reviews get you all the chicks.

evktalo

05-11-2009, 08:32 AM

Monthly update.. :tomatoface:

Disc 2, track 8: New Technology

I love this track. I love it's harsh, abrasive sound. That ring-modulated line is ace. It's very tense. Good beats and percussion loops. It's a little rough, sounds kind of unmastered. Now that OverCoat has grown ears, if he made this one now it would probably sound quite beastly. Already a fine, thumping beastling as it is.

Disc 2, track 9: Horizon's Walk

Overall, this is a great guitar pop instrumental. The piano riff/melody of the song proper after the intro is so damned catchy, so good. It sounds fantastic with the acoustic guitar. I like the choppy drums too. And the sound the track begins with. So much to like here.

That first bass flourish in the intro isn't to my liking - it just sticks out, it's like a potentially great fretless bass line but it's obviously a synth. Maybe it's just too loud in the mix. Otherwise the bass is pretty good, the octave oscillation works throughout the piece, the lines in the bridge, around 02:30 are very nice. I also like how the sound changes 02:50 (I only just noticed).

I think the 01:14 lead guitar note is slightly off. Initially it bothered me so much it turned me off completely from the piece, and it kept bothering me. This time around it's was hard to hear anything wrong with it, so it's very subtle, but it's indeed there. It's the only brown moment in the whole piece, but it really did have a huge effect on how I felt about the piece. (This is a good time to let me know if you think I'm just hearing things..)

It's a great part otherwise. Very evocative guitar sound! Sounds kind of ghostly to me.

Nice work on the time signatures too. The move from 3/4 in the bridge to the 4/4 in the final solo is very effective. You took out 5/4 though. Not sure if that's a forgivable act. ;)

--Eino

Halt

05-11-2009, 12:33 PM

I have not threw my 2 cents in here yet, but I really enjoyed this album, listened to it quite often :D. Great Album, and more great music from the OCR Community. Hopefully I'll be able to join in the future.

Showroom Dummy

05-12-2009, 06:23 PM

Congrats to Showroom Dummy for getting a ToS song (http://remix.thasauce.net/song.php?id=127) NOT from this project accepted by OCR (http://www.ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2819). Nice work, d00d!

Greetings all!

Thank you very much, I wanted the song to be in your project but when I contact you it seemed it was too late, but I am happy I am getting this song in posted up at OCR.

After reading the feedback from PRC and specially Rexy I think about it and decided to try and send up the song for judgement. I am happy its accepted!

Also I had the chance to listen to this project, great work everybody did for this!

evktalo

05-13-2009, 08:19 AM

This update finally hits the halfway mark.

Disc 2, track 10: Riddles in the Dark

Such a weird track. And rather wonderful.

Begins with a sparse, heavy, omnious piano in a large space. I really like the sound and the writing here. 00:38 the right-hand piano changes to high arpeggios and some strings are introduced. I like the rythmic shift, and also the shift back when it refrains the original feel with strings louder. *And* the next shift when the drums come in.. this track is always on the move.

By 01:30 the feel is dizzying, like a picture bending out of it's frames. I like how sudden the chord change at 01:28 feels - I'm fully expexting it to continue in a dark, serious mood but it does unexpected changes, it's humorous, sort of tipsy. The title of the track is quite perfect. After 02:24 my first impression was of two pieces of music playing at the same time. The drunken feel definitely continues.

3:30 it pretty obviously shifts from one ReMixer's work to the next's. Rather than a seamless singular work, this is a segue of two related works. The style shifts, but the mood doesn't, which is great. I have to admit I don't find the later half evocative, like the first one. I like the sound though. And the segue in itself is aptly wierd.

Disc 2, track 11: as time goes on

Tricky track.. the combination of the source and the style of the execution is unique and has an unexpected appeal for me. On the other hand, there are a handful of clashing notes around the track which are quite unpleasant.

The production is pretty good, the combination of sounds and instruments works well. The saxes sounds wonderful. The vocals sound fairly good. They're mixed back in the soundscape, which works well, but the tradeoff is that the lyrics are hard to hear. I'm not sure I like how you can hear the processing on the vocals, especially while they are exposed the most, but on the other hand I think it contributes to the sound positively too. Perhpas it could've been toned down for the middle.

The source sounds challenging, and unfortunately there are awkward moments. The sax figures at 01:24 and 03:52 are definitely off the mark, and I feel there are other problematic spots as well. The end result is that the track is not quite there, which is quite sad as this is rather close to being really awesome.

Disc 2, track 12: Deity

Hard-hitting, cold sounding, powerful track. As little as I normally listen to pieces in this style, I enjoy this one. Some writing problems (which SirNuts already referred to).

That harsh pad-thing instrument that sounds on the background at 00:30 for the first time is often dissonant, but that adds to the piece. The eerie background pad at 02:23 should definitely resolve into non-dissonant chord by 02:26 in my opinion. The dissonant chord we're left with at 02:36 is absolutely cool.

The bass, or the arpeggios, not sure what to blame.. well, they go wrong after 03:08. (Possibly before, just can't hear it properly). The 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th bars of the eight bar chord sequence don't work - 03:12 starts sounding bad, 03:20 good again. 04:46-05:00 which doesn't have the arpeggios going sounds fine to me. With the arpeggios again, 05:43 onwards, it sounds better, only the 5th and 6th bars sound strange to me.

I checked the source, it's a very effective and interesting take on the theme. Well interpreted.

Disc 2, track 13: Sweet Dreams

Hehe, this one is so not my thing at all, but I still get to hear it in this context.. I can tell it's really quite good. Some commenters in the review thread said the piano was a little too quiet/sax a little too loud, I agree (others don't), it is slightly overbearing. I have to actually turn the volume down to enjoy it.

--Eino

evktalo

05-16-2009, 03:42 PM

Disc 3, track 1: Tales & Trials

Solid, pleasant orchestral track. Sounds fun and laid-back, with a few "serious" and more contemplative moments. I really like the 00:38-00:57 section and the french horn line around 01:00, as well. I tend to drift off a bit towards the end after about 02:30 mark, the ending is not perhaps quite as captivating as it could be. Great disc opener anyhow, and segues well to the next track.

Disc 3, track 2: This Fate

Perfectly complimentary to the more relaxed previous track. The mood flows really well between these pieces. I really like the material here, and the orchestration is spot on in my opinion. I like how isolated the wind leads sound in for example 00:38-01:02 and 01:35-01:40. The final minute is lovely.

Disc 3, track 3: Smile and Forgive

Charming track. I like the initial sound very much, when there's just the simple synth thing going on. Not that the glockenspiel, piano and percussion et al sounded bad - all fits together well. I also really like when the strings come in at 03:02, that's a good moment. The middle "drop-out" section is lacking, especially when the strings are bare for a moment, it's not an interesting sound by itself. This also is not a track that I'll return to on it's own, but in the context on the album the piece works alright.

Disc 3, track 4: Café Mantra

A favourite from the album. Great instrumentation. The bass is deep and warm, the percussion is very central to the track (often hand percussion sounds kind of auxilary), the mallets & electric piano are a great combination.. mellotron is always good. It just sounds great, and melodically and structurally it's also very satisfying. The piano solo is tasty. Great job!

Disc 3, track 5: Chaotic Heart

A change of pace from other Sixto tracks on the album. Poweful intro until 00:19. From there the clean guitar on the right sounds sort of out of place until the bluesy lead comes in at 00:41. The soundfield feels very left-oriented on headphones until that moment. The overdriven guitar is so much more full and the keyboards also feel like they lean left (which they might not do, it might just be the "vacuum" on the right side which makes it sound like that). After the lead comes it it's better. It's a great lead too, varied playing with a strong hook.

Drums and bass are boring but I suppose it comes with the genre.. it's like stadium blues. Not a big fan, I'll admit. I like the break with the electric piano. The fadeout feels perhaps a little premature.

--Eino

KyleJCrb

05-16-2009, 06:27 PM

Chaotic Heart was one that in retrospect, I feel I should've said "Hey Sixto, can you plug a real ending into that one?" Still though, it is one of my personal top favorites on the album, simply because it takes the original and runs with it in a direction that I didn't expect, and also goes a different way from what we usually hear from Sixto. It reminds me of some of the more deliberately paced tracks from guys like Vai or Satriani, where the point is to show off the chops of the guitarist. Probably helps that Raine is my favorite character in Symphonia too, and this remix is quite fitting for her.

Dhsu

05-17-2009, 07:30 PM

Disc 2, track 13: Sweet Dreams

Hehe, this one is so not my thing at all, but I still get to hear it in this context.. I can tell it's really quite good. Some commenters in the review thread said the piano was a little too quiet/sax a little too loud, I agree (others don't), it is slightly overbearing. I have to actually turn the volume down to enjoy it.
Hehe, it seems to be a love/hate thing with this track. From my understanding, it would've been hard to get the piano any louder without clipping because of the range in dynamics, but I do agree the sax probably should've been brought down a little.

Monobrow

05-20-2009, 01:46 AM

Yeah, I knew that Starla had contributed vocals, but it took at least a couple of listens before the project's release (yay archive leeching) to figure out that they aren't going to be overlayered choir vocals (a la Destiny's works) and more like something as a background accompaniment, as you'd stated.

So yeah... call me one of the more alert ones :P

Yup, the vocals are at 2:04 - 3:00. You can hardly hear them after 2:30, but they are there if you listen closely. I gave starla a more prominent starting "ooooh" at the beginning of this part, but she fades into the mix, especially because of the cello and strings. Honestly I wanted them that way, to be more subdued, because it's really not a vocal-ish part, just a more ethereal sound that I was going for, as part of the mix of other instruments (there are a TON of things going on there lol)... But anyway, I think her vocals (as opposed to fake ones I could have used) really added the touch that I wanted there, and I'm really glad for them.

I give credit where credit is due, and starla sang all those parts for me (there were three that I wrote) in a real timely manner too. So she gets remix credit. I mean, I almost was willing to put Posibolt into remix credits of this song even though he contributed a like 10 second midi of the source for me (that crazy harpsichord in the original) because I was too lazy to sit down figuring it out that day. I ended up not using it and you'd never be able to hear it at the part I wanted it to be (where starla sings with all the other stuff lol)

Anyway glad people like the song, but sorry for the confusion!

Oh yeah and dhsu is ubar bass though it got changed up a bit lol... Also I mentioned this all in my goddamn submission mail I think, or maybe not because Palpable was confused. ANYWAY, yeah thanks dude for the reviews of all the songs, kickass.

Rexy

05-20-2009, 06:13 AM

Oh, while I'm here, the team at This Week In Geek (http://www.thisweekingeek.net) promoted the site and the project in Episode 54 (http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/www.thisweekingeek.net/media/audio/TWiG-Episode054.mp3) of their podcast - about 31 minutes into the show. So yeah, glad to see they spread the word :)

evktalo

05-23-2009, 10:44 AM

Disc 3, track 6: Desert Nights

Fun disco track. Overall it seems it would benefit from just a little bit more "punch" to it. Partially this impression may come from the fact that it's sandwiched between two rock tracks, but even when I listen to it separately it seems it's very controlled. Good sounds, I like the guitars and horns.

Love the guitar from 01:17 onwards. The triplet feel is great. 02:08 break with the horns and the wah-wah guitar is great. The next section feels like it could use a foreground element, even something small. It's just a few bars though, and we're back in to the last go of the tasty main riff. The outro is great. The very final cymbal crash feels very exposed though.

Disc 3, track 7: Strike of the Devil's Axes

Guitar, guitar, guitar, oh my god, it's full of guitar. I like the somewhat rough sound. The artists' styles certainly seem to mesh very well here. Very inspired stuff. I somewhat agree with Rozovian in the review thread, that about the first half of the mix is monotonous in tone, alghough there's a lot of variance in the playing. The later half is much more varied and has more "air" in it, which is pleasant to these ears.

I really like the rhythmic change-up at 03:10. The phased guitar in the next section is a welcome change in texture, and in the next section the rock is turned up to the full. Really like those big, wide, full overdriven chords from 04:35 onwards.

The bass is out of the pocket in at least a couple of places, for example in the fill at 00:20.

--Eino

PriZm

06-05-2009, 06:01 PM

Come on Eino, just a little more before you can claim the title of Uber-Awesome.

Dunther

06-16-2009, 09:43 AM

Just beaten ToS, now I start to listen disc 3 and 4 :P

evktalo

06-21-2009, 09:43 AM

Okay, here's the rest of the comments for the third disc. I'll be trying to wrap this up before "Echoes.." is out. Thanks to PriZm for that egging post. :)

Disc 3, track 8: Pain Withstanding

A rough gem. Judging by what Monobrow wrote, about the pain making this piece was.. I think she won't object if I say I find it not fully the sum of it's parts. I do like the track, even if it's a bit tough to get a handle on. There's just so much stuff going on, it doesn't quite end up 100% cohesive.

However, even if I feel the arrangement could have benefitted from pruning and focusing, I'm impressed the feel and mood of the piece. The whole soundscape sounds unique. The intro has a great mood. I like how the piano "shifts up" at 00:24. I also absolutely love the organ. The sound is perfect, the glitchy writing is really fun to listen to.

Disc 3, track 9: Determination

The basslines are very, very off from the rest of the harmony. It really, really hurts.

While as a whole I'm unable to enjoy it, the track has good stuff too: I like the beats, and the instrument choices are good. Combining wind instruments with breakbeats and electric piano is something I've not heard before I think, and it works very well.

Disc 3, track 10: Ain't Yo' Fool (Stay Cool)

What, even more 70s/disco/funk? Fun times, fun times.

This one has a bit of that rougher sound I was wanting for "Desert Nights" (though it's cool as it is), but overall it sounds a little less dynamic than I'd like. The horn section feels overbearing. It constantly has the same velocity, so it sounds somewhat monotonic.

The bass is pretty good. It could afford some longer deep, warm notes here and there to really ground the line. But other than that, I like the line, the playing and the sound. I love the drum break too. The guitar is very nice as well.

Disc 3, track 11: Antegenesis

Can't resist this progly beast. The intro already has me hooked. I really like the overall grainy sound this one has. Organ, guitar, mellotron, bass, drums, all fit together very well. The bluesy lead is a bit wobbly with the bending, which bugs me for the first minute. I like the variety of foreground guitar sounds.

It's a bit all over the place. It's sort of a stream of consciousness arrangement. I'm not a huge fan of the bluesy bit, but in the end it all fits - the turn at 3:10 and the next section wouldn't sound as fantastic without the blues before it I guess. Thumbs up from me.

Disc 3, track 12: The Fall of Iselia

Starts out pretty. Nice turn into minor when the strings and percussion come in. Nice touch with the change of the piano tone around 2:00. 2:30 it starts swirling into even darker territory. At 03:40 a reassuring return to the major from the somber ponderings of the previous section.

I like how it has a story-like structure, and it's quite carefully constructed. I felt the last major section was lacking; it's "just a one more refrain in major" (no sense of evolving and story in the part in itself) and the strings are rather dull compared to what went on before. Overall, however, the structure works and the piece is quite enjoyable.

This also was a track that didn't stand out on the first listens of the album, but was good to discover later on.

--Eino

evktalo

06-22-2009, 02:53 PM

Quick update, I'd already made some notes for most of these pieces.

Disc 4, track 1: Disillusioned Fate

The intro starts off grand and sounds really good initially. When the piano comes in, the part starts meandering about. I feel there is too much going on and the result sounds aimless.

I like it when the guitar and bass come in, those dissonant chords resolve well into the rock part. The overall sound is somewhat muffled. The rhythm guitar isn't quite in the pocket, drifting a bit. I'm not feeling the point when the leads come in - I don't get a sense of build-up, they just appear.

The next section is passable, although I don't feel the strings and piano really mesh with the rock instruments, they seem to be competing rather than supporting each other. I really like the short part at about 01:58-02:05, it's a good change in the feel. I'm really expecting it to be a transition (especially with the momentary change in the drum beat), but it's more of a diversion. Continuing on, I still don't feel a great synergy between strings+piano and the rock band, although 02:21-02:35 works fairly well.

The next two bits where the guitar takes a break, and the on with the little added synth lead, are mostly alright as well. The bass seems to return to the tonic of the first chord of the chord progression, while the guitar and strings go to another chord. This gives a stiffled feel, which I don't like.

I really like the last part of the song. I again feel there's maybe too much going on when the synth/flute lead and harp enter towards the end, the instruments mesh well but the parts are busy. The marching snare sounds great.

Overall some great sounding bits, some bits that are alright, some that don't sound so great - the total lacks cohesion and direction.

Disc 4, track 2: Continental Divide

One of my favourite tracks. The combination of the plucked strings, harp and the flutes/wind instruments sounds great. Overall the track gives a feeling of space, that is both vast and intimate. Absolutely lovely.

Disc 4, track 3: Like a Glint

Starts off really well, good drums, bass, good rhythm guitars. But the lead that comes in is a turn-off. The playing isn't 100% tight (it really should be!), the lead sound doesn't mesh as well as it should with the rest of it and it sounds even slightly out of tune. Happily, the lead playing comes together around 00:48. This sounds much better than the previous lead, and for the rest of the track the leads sound better as well. The beginning gives a bad first impression. I really like the eerie stuff at 01:53-02:04. Nice use of stereo there.

The break after 03:13 is a nice change of pace, although the clean guitar sounds are somewhat lo-fi and don't quite fit in. The strumming sounds a bit awkward in the beginning as well.

The song has a good structure overall, there's plenty of different sections and all but it keeps cohesive. I especially like 02:17-03:13.

Disc 4, track 4: Cartesian Warfare

Hehe, this sounds a bit like it was recorded in a garage, it makes me smile. Lead playing is somewhat weak, it lacks expression. It could be a bit tighter (the fast bits especially) but it's listenable. Good, working arrangement in my opinion. I wish there was more variation between the lead sounds. Not the most professional sounding track, but cohesive.

Disc 4, track 5: Sacred Ashes

Segues well from Cartesian Warfare into this. The piano intro is very beautiful. From 00:30-01:30 I have a problem with that static cello line keeping in the same place - good idea, but the writing around it should take it more into consideration (or it itself could bend just a little to accommodate the other writing). I generally feel there's a bit too much going on. About 00:47-01:00 sounds aimless, I can't get a grip on it.

01:01 it recovers, the piano is very nice and carries the momentum forwards. From 1:30 onwards the track really picks up, working well to the end. Still slightly busy to my liking, but passable. The static cello works well here. And the track also segues well into Altar Perception.

Disc 4, track 6: Altar Perception

One of the favourites and the one I've been listening to the most. Everything sounds quite gorgeous. The basslines deserve a specific mention, the basswork is fantastic and groovy throughout. Cello is just plain gorgeous. I love, love, love the (superbly subtle) vocal break. The beats and the electronics, are wonderfully scattered, lots of little bits and pieces flying around. Don't really have any gripes, kind of wish the cello got a bit busier in the solo towards the end perhaps, but what is here is so good there's no need to complain.

Disc 4, track 7: Dream Traveler

The piano is good, sounds fine and is well played and arranged. The string lead isn't really as expressive as the piece deserved. When it gets louder, it quickly starts sounding a little harsh. The writing of the lead is, I think, fairly good, but the instrument is not a great choice for carrying it.

Disc 4, track 8: My Secret Forest

The intro, with the piano and the french horn reminds me of some Tori Amos material, which is a really good thing in my books. The piece is lush and emotional all the way through, and superbly well done.

Disc 4, track 9: On the Edge

Oh crap, OCR's so gonna get sued by Tim Langdell.

Hehe, I love the fake bass. The guitars that come in sound really good. About at 01:02 I'd really wish that the bass would change into something more groovy and less foreground, and the guitar was more in the front. With the unchanging bass in the forefront the whole time, the piece suffers from sameyness throughout, even while the line itself is really likeable. There's a good bunch of intersting stuff (like the tom-toms and electronics at 01:55-02:13) that gets buried under the ever-present bass. In the end we get that great guitar line served to us again, so the overall feel about the track is pretty good.

4+3 to go!

--Eino

CPacaud

06-22-2009, 11:56 PM

Thanks for the well written reviews evktalo!

Rexy

06-23-2009, 05:07 PM

Disc 4, track 7: Dream Traveler

The piano is good, sounds fine and is well played and arranged. The string lead isn't really as expressive as the piece deserved. When it gets louder, it quickly starts sounding a little harsh. The writing of the lead is, I think, fairly good, but the instrument is not a great choice for carrying it.

I pass my regards here for the critique, though the unfortunate thing is Dream Traveler was one of my favorite ones to write and I was actually dreading those that might not "get" it.

* I actually get bitter when someone ends up looking towards my sample bank at the time of writing, which was in a college music tech lab in early 2006. It's not so much the samples you choose but how you use them, and that so turned out to be the only one that sounded remarkably close to a real string quartet rather than most of the synth ones around. (Note that if I ever brought in my own samples into the lab, I'd get sanctioned for it. >.>)

* The reason why it ended up sounding a little more "harsh" in your words by the time the positive second half kicked in was because the attack power of the patch itself completely changed at that point. To make it fit with the tone at that point, I had to reduce the attack power to make sure the energy behind it would work. Otherwise I bet I would have got criticised for doing the complete opposite.

* It wasn't so much the production I was concerned about in this track but moreso forging the link between Tales and Klonoa with the writing (the latter being a cosplay that Presea pursues late in the game), especially since the original titles was clearly one of the most beautiful titles I had the priviledge to play back on the PS1. If I had been able to forge the link just right, then that's where I feel I would have succeeded more. (In fact, those disappointed with the track when it got played on VG Frequency #84 prompted me to jump onto standby to do some stuff for the Phantasia side if Kyle wanted me).

I know this comment might have come awkwardly bitter, but either way, I'd say thanks for the comment, even though you might not necessarily understand the creative processes behind it. I'm keen to hear what you have to say for the last batch of tracks though.

evktalo

06-25-2009, 02:33 PM

Thanks for explaining about the process and choices behind the track, it was interesting to read. Especially the Klonoa/Presea link - am I correct you used some musical material from the Klonoa game(s) as well? I'm familiar with neither Klonoa nor Tales so on an "experiential" level it doesn't add to the piece for me, but the idea of making such link sounds very cool.

I do think that I "get it", what I'm doing is criticizing the execution. Also, I'm not sure if I can understand the creative process behind it if I don't know about it. :| Knowing about the resources, restrictions, intentions behind the piece of course changes the appreciation for the piece. Saying that the lead wasn't "a great choice" might sound unfair as it was the best choice you could make in the circumstances.

Anyway, I stand behind my opinion. I did listen to it a couple of more times. It's not as bad as I may have made it sound, but I do find it weak. I didn't really mind the change in to a harsher tone now (I agree you did the better choice by reducing the attack), but it does seem to highlight this "unexpressiveness" it suffers from. I note that you did a good amount of tweaking with the dynamics and volume in the writing. I'm not sure, some filters/effects used with similar detail might have helped - I'm really no expert on EQ, but I feel the lead lacks a certain presence, middle frequencies possibly.

cheers,
--Eino

Rexy

06-26-2009, 12:13 AM

Well, there are cameos to both the opening and ending themes to Door to Phantomile thrown in there, but other than that it was a case of analysing this particular musical style and seeing how Presea's theme would work in a reimagined sort of way.

I do get what you mean by the "harshness" though, moreso with the equalisations rather than the patch expression. I'll open up to be guilty for opting for the mid-high range to go against the mid-low frequencies of the piano patch that I used; I think I've known better than to manage that type of approach since. >.> Nevertheless, I do understand where you're coming from in spite of the initial confusion, so thanks for the clarification.

KyleJCrb

06-30-2009, 03:57 PM

Not sure the website will ever be updated, so here's 3 more bonus tracks:

Showroom Dummy - Pixelated Tales (The Land of Sylvarant): http://kngi.org/talesproject/site/release/bonus/BT-SoS-ShowroomDummy-PixelatedTales(TheLandofSylvarant).mp3
LuIzA, CarboHydroM - Strike of the Devil's Axes (Alternate Version): http://kngi.org/talesproject/site/release/bonus/SoS-LuIzA,CarboHydroM-StrikeoftheDevil%27sAxes(Fatalize)-AlternateVersion.mp3
AndyJayne - Raising a Curtain (WIP): http://kngi.org/talesproject/site/release/bonus/BT-SoS-AndyJayne-RaisingaCurtain(WIP).mp3

Also, the intro for The Unholy Wars, as composed by Dhsu: http://kngi.org/talesproject/site/release/bonus/FightingoftheSpiritPianoIntro.pdf (I'm not sure this was actually transcribed completely accurately, but it gives you an idea, at least. :-P)

andyjayne

06-30-2009, 04:49 PM

Thanks to those who reviewed my work, it is appreciated.

Not sure the website will ever be updated
It would be nice to get the missing content up there. I'm a secret to everyone.

KyleJCrb

06-30-2009, 05:53 PM

Looks like some others are doing track-by-track reviews, too, namely this Japanese blogger (http://63factory.jp/~creator_backer/). Of course since I don't know Japanese, I ran the text through Google Translator, and what it spit back out at me was pretty hilarious. I figured I had to share the translated version( for some reason direct translation of the site itself isn't working):

2009/06/23 (Tales of Phantasia and Tales of Symphonia)

OverClocked ReMix TEIRUZUSHIRIZU the WEB are published in the album are arranged.

In all there DISC4. DISC1聴KIMASHITA so today, the thoughts.

Track 01 - The Unholy Wars (Fighting of the Spirit) / Sixto Sounds, Dhsu

Begins with a piano intro.

However, I also know from the arranger's name is on the whole rock arrangements.

Instead of keeping to the original arrangement greatly and is arranged to make the original.

In particular, from 3:24 guitar and cool.

Track 02 - Crisis Healing Salve (Mint) / Hemophiliac, Christian Pacaud

Fantastic start to the sound that flute and stringed instruments that the intro.

I thought I would leave the orchestra arrangements, you there! The middle, the guitar comes in pathos.

The orchestra is also looking at around midday on a guitar then shazam! Waterloo Bridge, where the guitar solo.

And ends late in the sort of orchestra music.

Taste is the arrangement of this kind, I TAMARIMASEN.

Track 03 - The Koan of Drums (Desolate Road) / djpretzel

Rattle the change in mood, changes in the arrangement of the dance.

The tone being used is old-fashioned feel, and the like are used, such as drums and shamisen.

A sense of arrangement, GOEMON Bad! I think we can easily understand and dance series.

I think, djpretzel's not what I'm doing in the past also GOEMON arrangements.

And it is his veteran studio. I think there is a stable arrangement. I taste it I'm out w

Track 04 - Airborne (Aviators) / Dhsu

It is the only piano playing.

There are places that pull the tick jazz, and in areas that draw moisture,

And are listening, I feel I'm enjoying it.

Track 05 - Arche Angel (Arche) / The Joker

The song was the piano, I think I have this song in order to possibly lead piano.

Begins with the sound of the piano intro, orchestral arrangements are magnificent.

In addition, it has also arranged songs, and sounds like a prelude. I feel like two movies.

Track 06 - Chronometrical (Stream of Time) / The Joker

Rattle like change the image of the previous songs are DANSUTEISUTOARENJI.

The seaweed is DANSUTEISUTO but, in general ringing tone that is often the instrument orchestra.

The only title, this is what I think you're aware of the corridor at the KURONOTORIGA,

Well well, what's the word? w

Track 07 - Setting Sail (Hydropolis) / TheDeath

The songs are OKEARENJI. Arrangements are明RUME.

Oh! I thought of was whether I was using BOKAROIDO,

There is a scat. I had to use these people.

Track 08 - Mirror Image (Mysterious Japon) / the prophet of mephisto, Fishy

When I arranged a name, I thought I would rock it,

Studio, w was the beginning of rock is softly set,

And revolves around the guitar from the midfield.

Betrayal is the expansion of the drum and create an atmosphere in AKOGI, many people would be covered.

Track 09 - Frozen Heart (Biting Cold) / Sir NutS, Usa

Sir Nuts KITA! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

It's my my favorite arranger. The arrangement of the transformer is not my favorite.

After all, the arrangement of the songs were arranged in a TORANSUTEISUTO w

The music for a short time and is arranged such that the extract significantly condensed.

Slow and when I lean more to the music, I think if I had been a magnificent view of the world of music.

Track 10 - Momentary (Harmonious Moment) / Kureejii Lea, The Joker

This arrangement probably arranged by the people of the two recordings,

What do you think I fit. Piano arrangement is arranged.

That with other songs and I think I'm doing,

This song has such a feeling.

弾ITA listening to each other, and how it would play on it.

Track 11 - Gentry Is a Five Letter Word (Euclid) / Rexy

The atmosphere of the arrangement, the first city KURONOTORIGA BGM what I think you'll remember.

While the sporty feel, and taste HASAMIKON a little pathetic.

Track 12 - Wind Dry My Tears (Sylph) / XMark

It remembers that he was also named GITAARENJA.

The song is finished with a pathetic TEISUTOARENJI AKOGI and electric guitar.

Scat and in the song. DISC1 would bring the end of this song I want to, too.

2009/06/25 (Tales of Phantasia and Tales of Symphonia 2)

OverClocked ReMix TEIRUZUSHIRIZU the WEB are published in the album are arranged.

In all there DISC4. DISC2聴KIMASHITA so today, to think.

Track 01 - Beyond Absentminded (Be Absentminded) / Hale-Bopp

The recent trend of overseas, who arranged the music on the game, It's getting more and more of them singing the lyrics.

Instead of the scat songs, lyrics are attached, and with songs.

80 that's reminiscent of the Western music, is like the Hotel California of Eagles.

What's really different! As I said if仰RU! I only say I w, I like that.

Track 02 - Summoned Without Reason (The Second Act) / Sixto Sounds

APPUTENPOARENJI rattle is changing the atmosphere of the song.

Guitar students, and other arrangements in the entire sound of the driving feel.

I think maybe the violin, because it combines the sound of a stringed instrument,

Rock is fantastic.

Track 03 - Middle-Aselia Biology (Forest of the Treant) / Rexy

Sound of flutes and strings are arranged in a prominent sound of a bell.

Track 04 - Cold Memory (Freeze) / The Joker

Has many strings and piano arrangements.

In addition, rain and wind and used the SE, the arrangement is that I'm MOTASE the atmosphere in the music.

Track 05 - Simplified Design (Take Up the Cross) / PriZm

Arrange to have heard about this for a long time. Arrangements are locked.

I JANJAKAJANJAKA ringing guitar, and it is in the bass and drums create a world based.

I think all the time, the sound of this guitar but I think things like chizz w

Track 06 - Just Go (Go a Step Further) / Nutritious, Fishy

What genre's low hanging clouds?

I could hear a stringed tube, and the ringing guitar, and rhythm is also DANSUCHUN,

Synth sounds are the minimum necessary.

The expression is a magnificent view of the world are, in modern films where the BGM I felt like I

Track 07 - City of Vigor (Vigorous Town) / pu_freak

All are piano arrangements.

Softly at first, mid-peak on the second half is feeling a little melancholy.

Track 08 - New Technology (Abyss of Thor) / OverCoat

As title, what the songs say crisp breakbeat and synth sounds.

Arsenal of modern science is a perfect fit for the BGM.

Track 09 - Horizon's Walk (Final Act) / Tepid, PriZm

This arrangement I thought it interesting.

General arrangement, the arrangement of It's a dance, using the tone is light synth.

Patheticness TORIIRE guitar work, and it got me what I w

Track 10 - Riddles in the Dark (Morlia Gallery) / Red Tailed Fox, Xaleph

I say beats and symphonic music genres.

BGM fueled a sense of impatience that has been arranged.

Track 11 - as time goes on (As Time Goes On) / the prophet of mephisto

It is an impressive arrangement of saxophone sound. And has also arranged the song.

Effects on the vocals are also reminiscent of what I have to express the time series.

In it is a good voice.

Track 12 - Deity (Martel) / Sir Nuts

Sir Nuts KITA! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! (Second)

HYA arm, studio, Sir Nuts, right? K of this expansion, will you?

The expansion is not bold, the cool and expand. It's more like an adult transformer.

Track 13 - Sweet Dreams (The Dream Will Not Die) / Dhsu, Anthony Lofton

It will make her dreams only to the sound of the saxophone, is arranged like that.

From what I can tell, this guy love Sir Nuts (who is a Transformer), thinks some songs were pathetic, and mentions "scat" a lot. Ah, bad translations are awesome.

Rexy

07-01-2009, 06:28 AM

That's Google Translator for you, Kyle. The least we could do is figure out what he really meant by shifting some of the lingo around.

Still, I DO somehow understand the fact that Gentry sounded as if it got some inspiration from Chrono Trigger's "Guardia Milliennial Fair" (hah, maybe Aleah WAS right with the fairgrounds connection!) but the "pathetic" link makes me feel rather uncomfortable.
Then again, if the Japanese "critic" also loved Sir Nuts (nothing wrong with that), I'm assuming he's probably younger than 17, so there we go. Typical sushi-penis power, maybe?

andyjayne

07-01-2009, 02:41 PM

They have posted feedback for disc 3 now.

Also, I would advise against using Google Translate even for interpreting the feedback as it is often way off the mark.

Rexy, the author did not refer to your piece, nor the link, as pathetic.

evktalo

07-01-2009, 03:06 PM

Still, I DO somehow understand the fact that Gentry sounded as if it got some inspiration from Chrono Trigger's "Guardia Milliennial Fair" (hah, maybe Aleah WAS right with the fairgrounds connection!) but the "pathetic" link makes me feel rather uncomfortable.

It occurs to me that Darkesword did a Guardia Fair mix that was also in 5/4. Maybe there's something there!

--Eino

Rexy

07-01-2009, 03:57 PM

Actually, "Blue Skies Over Guardia" was in 7/8. You're close enough with the under-explored time signatures, though. :)

They have posted feedback for disc 3 now.

Also, I would advise against using Google Translate even for interpreting the feedback as it is often way off the mark.

Rexy, the author did not refer to your piece, nor the link, as pathetic.

Well, if it's not my arrangement that's pathetic (note to self: NEVER visit OCR at 7 in the morning!), then what is?
And is there anyone here who could figure out what that "HASAMIKON" thing means while they're there? I'm still surprised I figured out the Chrono Trigger romanisation correctly. :p

andyjayne

07-01-2009, 05:39 PM

Well, if it's not my arrangement that's pathetic (note to self: NEVER visit OCR at 7 in the morning!), then what is?
The machine translation.

My understanding of Japanese is limited but I'll provide my own translation to put your mind at rest:

The atmosphere of the arrangement will probably remind you of the BGM in the town at the beginning of Chrono Trigger.

It generally feels uplifting but expresses a little sorrow.

However, I am sure there are other users here who can provide a much better translation.

KyleJCrb

07-01-2009, 10:20 PM

Well, if it's not my arrangement that's pathetic (note to self: NEVER visit OCR at 7 in the morning!), then what is?

We can't be sure that's even what they were actually saying. Google Translation doesn't always get words right.

pu_freak

07-01-2009, 10:41 PM

But it sure delivers pretty hilarious reviews

Rexy

07-02-2009, 06:04 AM

Well, I don't know how "sorrow" and "patheticness" would somehow link together in Google's machine translation case, but it is a weight off my shoulders, so thanks for that.

I wonder when the blogger would tackle the other 2 discs...!

evktalo

07-02-2009, 06:51 AM

Actually, "Blue Skies Over Guardia" was in 7/8. You're close enough with the under-explored time signatures, though. :)

Oops. :tomatoface:

--Eino

KyleJCrb

07-02-2009, 07:08 AM

Seems to be a positive response on Disc 3, but they seem to wish that 'Chaotic Heart' was a little longer and should've had a real ending rather than a fadeout. (I wouldn't have minded that either, actually)

Also, 'Ain't Yo Fool' gave them indigestion.

Rexy

07-02-2009, 04:05 PM

Who's OCR's main Japanese translator again? At this rate, Myth might just read that and wonder what *he* did to deserve commentary like that. XD

Monobrow

07-02-2009, 11:50 PM

Track 08 - Pain Withstanding (Standing the Pain) / Monobrow

First, selection of music is good! [tsu] [te] thinking better seed. If the lock whose forward curved is extreme, you hold down the next a little, with the eye. Music started with the piano and whether piano arrangement when the [tsu] [te] thought, it was development of the betrayal. Gradually, the timbre to keep increasing, Drum& It keeps showing the development of Bass. To be good making use of the timbre of the organ and the string instrument, you insert the classical element the [ri] it does. It means potato that at one time I try doing such arrangement from calling. (Sweat)

Apparently my song means potato!

YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I don't even care if that is a good or bad thing lol

Okay I used babel fish for that... Google translator makes more sense, but is way less fun.

First, good song! I thought it. If heavy rock music, slightly less in the following. Begins with piano music, piano arrangements if you or I could expand the betrayal. Gradually increasing the sound, Drum & Bass and showed expansion. Using a fine organ and stringed instruments, and classical elements into place. I want to do is to arrange such a good time. (Sweat)

Still like the potato better haha.

KyleJCrb

07-03-2009, 08:20 AM

Simplified Design got the NO treatment sadly, but Altar Perception was just accepted. Hooray more Symphonia tracks!

pu_freak

07-03-2009, 09:11 AM

Close call on the NO... think you'll fix it PriZm?

Rexy

07-03-2009, 04:29 PM

Altar Perception was just accepted. Hooray more Symphonia tracks!
And hooray for Protricity's comeback!

...eh, yeah. I don't think most people would acknowledge me saying that... >.>

Either way, I pass my congrats to Katie and the team. If you're in the mood for champagne for tonight, I suggest you go for it :)

pu_freak

07-03-2009, 07:27 PM

Didn't Prot already have his comeback last year with his Metal Slug 3 remix?

Rexy

07-03-2009, 09:46 PM

As awesome compositions as they are, I tend to avoid Metal Slug remixes for one reason - PRC63. And it's a story too long to put here.

Hence, why somehow I didn't know about that until now. Doh! :tomatoface:

KyleJCrb

07-03-2009, 10:44 PM

Didn't Prot already have his comeback last year with his Metal Slug 3 remix?

He had a comeback, but then was banned again for HAXXING. Pretty sure it's permanent now. As far as I'm aware though, Dave will still at least accept song submissions from Prot, but nothing has been submitted with his name on it until now.

Rexy, it's not the Metal Slug soundtrack's fault for that drama, you know. You're missing out when it comes to those soundtracks. :-P

Monobrow

07-05-2009, 09:14 AM

He had a comeback, but then was banned again for HAXXING.

Not just haxxing, HAXXING the WHOLE ENTIRE INTERNET FOREVER.

KyleJCrb

07-06-2009, 04:07 AM

I highly suggest everyone check out the August 2009 issue of Nintendo Power: Specifically, flip back to page 95 in the Community section. You might see an article about a familiar remix project...

pu_freak

07-06-2009, 11:31 AM

Kong in Concert?

Monobrow

07-06-2009, 09:31 PM

Pretty cool, should post a jpg of the image here for all to see :D

KyleJCrb

07-07-2009, 09:25 AM

Check the first post.

Dhsu

07-07-2009, 09:09 PM

Congratumacations!

Rexy

07-08-2009, 11:01 PM

That Japanese blogger guy updated his Tales project feedback again. But from what I got from online translations he didn't have enough energy to cover the lot so he just looked at "Altar Perception" and "Summoning of Spirits".

Altar Perception - According to the online machine translations, he liked Injury's vocal part (rare for him to spot it first hand!), thought the track had similar musical links to the SaGa 3 (Final Fantasy Legend 3) score, liked the fusion of ambience and "techno beats" (?) and liked the general atmosphere (the feeling that no sound disturbs another).

Summoning of Spirits - The blooger understood that it was mainly piano-based, especially near the beginning. Thus, he seemed equally as surprised to see "Fighting of the Spirit" being taken in a different "fresh" direction. The rest of his blurb seemed hard to pick out stuff, but he found it to be "floaty" and minimalist somehow (in a good way).

Eh... Andy Jayne, I think we need your expertise here. :tomatoface:

Stormsworder

07-09-2009, 06:37 PM

Well, I go through the music here a lot (just don't bother with the forums), but I just got in my issue of Nintendo Power today. In the community section, they had an article featuring OC Remix and the Summoning of Spirits album.

I'd try to scan the article to put up here, but my printer/scanner refuses to work at times... But I thought you guys would be interested in hearing about this. :D Amazing job, guys. Really amazing. :D

Bahamut

07-09-2009, 06:55 PM

Yeah, Kyle put a scan up of the article on the Facebook fan page of Summoning of Spirits - cool stuff!

Kureejii Lea

07-09-2009, 07:25 PM

There's a scan in the project thread as well.

We did mention the upcoming FFIV and DKC2 projects, but I guess it got cut. Kinda weird to see my old album art in print like that. >>

MechaFone

07-10-2009, 01:23 AM

So I picked up my latest issue of Nintendo Power. At the back of this issue, they had an article on Overclocked Remix, where they mostly talk about the latest remix album, Summoning Of Spirits. I was just wondering if anyone else knew about this.
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f202/Kibasbane/ocrexixcoverage.jpg
Here's a convenient scan from said magazine.
Personally I'm a little surprised they didn't mention Voices of The Lifestream, considering its enormous popularity.

I guess it doesn't show so well. PM me if you'd like a larger picture.

Final Hero

07-10-2009, 03:26 AM

I'm rather surprised that they didn't mention Voices of the Lifestream, too. I guess it just wasn't timely enough.

Still... go OCRemix!

Halt

07-10-2009, 04:59 PM

Thats amazing. Shed some more light on the OC ReMixers. ;]

dPaladin

07-10-2009, 05:23 PM

I'm rather surprised that they didn't mention Voices of the Lifestream, too.
I'm not.

Nintendo Power generally pretends that any games for non-Nintendo consoles don't exist. Or at least they did back when I was a subscriber. Which has been... shit, 7 years?

Shit.

Anyway, that's probably why.

KyleJCrb

07-10-2009, 05:31 PM

I'm not.

Nintendo Power generally pretends that any games for non-Nintendo consoles don't exist. Or at least they did back when I was a subscriber. Which has been... shit, 7 years?

Shit.

Anyway, that's probably why.

Uh, or maybe it was because there was limited space and they wanted to focus more on the actual subject of the article rather than dropping names of unrelated projects? Frankly, I'm glad they didn't mention other ones (although Lea and I both did mention most of them in our interview): This is our article, bitches. :-P

Anyway, I picked this up and posted about it in the SoS feedback thread a few days ago. If you want a super-huge high-res scan, here ya be (http://kngi.org/talesproject/SummoningofSpiritsNPArticle.png).

Triad Orion

07-10-2009, 05:42 PM

Nintendo Power has more recently begun to refer to their competitors in their articles, usually with a degree of both ribbing and professional respect. They didn't mention Lifestream because it's Final Fantasy VII, which while they acknowledge, they don't play up both because it's competition, and it's for space, as Kyle said.

But damn, this is pretty awesome. Wonder if that's going to up the traffic for the arrangement album. If nothing else, it gets the word out about this site, and it's always good to get positive press.

KyleJCrb

07-10-2009, 05:48 PM

But damn, this is pretty awesome. Wonder if that's going to up the traffic for the arrangement album. If nothing else, it gets the word out about this site, and it's always good to get positive press.

Downloads have been going back up for the last few days on the songs hosted on the kngi.org server, so I think word is spreading at least a little bit.

prophetik

07-11-2009, 01:29 PM

wait, there was an article about this and they didn't mention me at all? what a crock. i was integral to that project's fulfillment of destinies untold.

KyleJCrb

07-11-2009, 10:10 PM

wait, there was an article about this and they didn't mention me at all? what a crock. i was integral to that project's fulfillment of destinies untold.

Yeah, but we decided to omit you because you punked out and ditched the Super Dodge Ball project. Sorry man.

prophetik

07-11-2009, 11:21 PM

i had a thing for lost causes, but i seem to have misplaced it.

KyleJCrb

07-12-2009, 01:31 AM

ATW wasn't lost, it just needed a jumpstart.

prophetik

07-12-2009, 02:25 AM

oh, i know. i was actually considering rejoining the project just to be 'that guy' when RTY was posted.

Rexy

07-12-2009, 01:25 PM

Dude, they didn't mention me either, but considering the size of the project, just appreciate the fact that the word has been spread and (if all goes well) you could end up with more groupies. :p

I passed my congrats to Kyle through Googletalk earlier this week, and so I'll acknowledge it here again - big thanks to Nintendo Power :D

Kureejii Lea

07-12-2009, 04:51 PM

To be fair, Kyle and I did mention several names and upcoming projects in the interview used to make the article. Not our fault they didn't see print. =P

Bahamut

07-12-2009, 05:00 PM

Eh, I take no offense - SoS was the focus of the article, it would've been a bit unprofessional if they talked about other projects.

Monobrow

07-13-2009, 11:46 PM

Cool I am glad they liked it, I think.

Anyway I am glad I could participate on this project and always love hearing what people think about the music.

IMO FFIV has a lot to live up to &_&

KyleJCrb

07-15-2009, 03:58 PM

Though if it were an article about OCR projects in general, that would've been cool.

Dj Mokram

07-16-2009, 01:27 PM

I think word is spreading at least a little bit.

SoS thread is the second most viewed project thread, far ahead of Voices of the Lifestream or even Darkside of Phobos,
and with the almost same view counts as Chono Symphonic.
So I'm surprised it isn't more popular. 8-O

07-16-2009, 01:35 PM

it's just Kyle hitting refresh for the past 4 months. :<

prophetik

07-16-2009, 02:27 PM

SoS thread is the second most viewed project thread, far ahead of Voices of the Lifestream or even Darkside of Phobos,
and with the almost same view counts as Chono Symphonic.
So I'm surprised it isn't more popular. 8-O

it's because we lurked in it for years waiting for the project to be finished. those views came way before the project was released.

KyleJCrb

07-16-2009, 05:00 PM

it's just Kyle hitting refresh for the past 4 months. :<

Correction, since I believe Mokram is referring to the original project history thread, NOT the current feedback thread (which only has 18,000 views compared S3&K, which has 56,000): It was me hitting refresh for 4 YEARS. The S3&K project thread still has the most views, though.

evktalo

07-17-2009, 10:34 AM

Last one!

Disc 4, track 10: Apogee

For the longest time, the piano intro just didn't agree with me at all. Lately, it mostly clicked for me, I still hear something clashing at 00:14-00:15 - I think this tiny moment in time made the intro not work for me, and I couldn't actually enjoy the track at all. Thankfully I got over that, but it still was my genuine experience of the track for the first few times.

But now it sounds really good to me. It's very, very full of ideas, but they do work. Slightly exhausting, but very enjoyable to listen to.

There are two especially great moments in the piece, the first being what I'm calling "the bass lift" first at 1:40, the other being the following section first at 1:47-2:16. I like the guitar lead playing in that section, and I love the organ, great sound, compliments the guitar wonderfully in that section. Good variety of instruments in general, well used to hilight the structure and different sections.

I think the lead playing in other parts that those moments mentioned could be better. While it's not bad at all, it's a bit stiff, leaden.. it covers the section instead of communicating with it. I'm also thinking that it's ok to use some rests in lead playing too. :) But not sure if it was necessary for this piece. Other thing, the keyboard string in the intro and outro sounds a bit out of tune.

Disc 4, track 11: Dark Corner

I like this one very much. As with Antagenesis and This Fate, I get a very story-like feel out of the piece's progression. Also, it's somewhat similar to Battle over the Continent, which is one of my favourite tracks on OCR.

Guitar sound processing here is delicious. The jagged rhythms are a treat as well. I like how the drums are de-emphasized, although the toms have ended up sounding powerless pop/splat sounds in some (not all) fills. The lead part starting at 02:23 is really grand, it's been playing in my head every now and then.

Disc 4, track 12: Holy Judgement

I've had a lot of trouble getting into this track. It's massive, after all. Disc 4 in itself feels quite massive, so I'm usually sort of exhausted by the time I get here. I've since been listening to this track separately, which helps. I still feel to need to tackle this with a bullet point list..

* The intro is wider and louder than the following section, in a way that I find not good for the flow of the piece. Even when all the guitars come in, my impression is that they don't sound as full and loud as the intro did.
* The intro itself sounds pretty good. It's atmospheric in a way that I appreciate.
* The guitar fill from the first orchestral bit to the guitar bit is really good.
* The dialogue snippets work quite well.
* There's a lot of different sections and instrumentations. It sounds a bit disparate, the sound changing slightly from section to section, but it holds together. Notably the guitars have a feeling they're not in the same sonic space all the time. Some of this duality works for the track, actually.
* My favourite part: 07:35-08:04 - great bass, and the riffs over steady beat. Goosebumps. Sandwhiched between two orchestral/chill bits. Nice.

Disc 4, track 13: Summoning of the Spirits

Very nice touch starting and ending the album with the same source piece, and so differently. This take is somber and calm. I like the pacing. Great for late night listening. I like how it's long and relatively few instruments are going on at each time. The instruments take turns without competing with each other, if that makes sense.

At first I was thinking that the track could have worked without the drums, maybe even better, but now I think I was wrong. The fills for instance are well built and the beat keeps interesting throughout. The use of timpani is great. I also thought using them for only half the track was tasteful, if that makes sense. Drumless COULD work but that would be a different track.

The sine bass towards the end sounds slightly out of tune to me. I might be just hearing it like that (on headphones too), since it's so low. (clarified in a further post)

"If that makes sense", my new favourite expression.

Disc 5, track 1: No Better Time Than Now

I really liked Just Go, and this has the same "gliding" feel to it. Delicious. It's a really good song too.

The lead vocals have a slight feel of hesitance to them, at times, during verses. The very first two lines gave me the first impression that the singing wasn't going to be very good, because of this. When the support vocals kicked in, it clicked into place. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the singing and I'm glad this piece is a song rather than an instrumental, because a song is what it is. My critique is that the impression I get is that the singer isn't 100% comfortable singing, which makes me uncomfortable too. At the same time I like the vulnerable feel. THAT is great.

From my own meager experience from singing and recording songs, it's hard and important to get the very beginning of the singing sound right. Often I only warm up after the first few lines and then the opportunity to make a good first impression is gone already. I try to sort of imagine that the vocal part starts before the singing actually starts, that it doesn't begin from a void, so to speak, that I've already began (and warmed up, settled into the music) before I need to sing the first lines. I don't really mean to give advice here, I don't think I'm in any position to do that, I just think this is an interesting subject. :) Completely different subject is comfortably singing a vulnerable song out for the whole world to listen to. I have no words on that. I like this song.

Disc 5, track 2: Standing Up

Very cool instrumentation. There's a strange floating feel, as if there was a lack of a tonal anchor, if that makes sense. I have trouble recognizing what direction the piece is going, some of this works for the track, but it doesn't feel fully realized.

Disc 5, track 3: Go the Distance

Hard panning, gurrgg. Causes nausea.

The intro riff is very powerful, lots of fun. I like the alternation between violin, synth and guitar leads, it gives a lot of variation to the track. The violin sounds quite gorgeous at times. Some of the violin riffing is off rhythmically: 01:02-01:13 and the same part later on.

Fun, powerful track, one of my Sixto favourites easily.

---

Aand that's it! I want to thank all the remixers on the album, it's been fun listening to it and I like some of the tracks very much. I've also enjoyed writing these comments (even if it all took a while), and I'm grateful to all of you who have let me known you've read and even enjoyed them, and the discussions we've had here. Biggest thanks to Kyle and Aleah for overseeing this huge effort (once again, great album art!). Kyle, a question; there were tracks selected to be posted on the OCR front page with the release. I see you submitted more - did you choose these for a "single release" according to the reception they got after the release?

--Eino

KyleJCrb

07-17-2009, 01:50 PM

Aand that's it! I want to thank all the remixers on the album, it's been fun listening to it and I like some of the tracks very much. I've also enjoyed writing these comments (even if it all took a while), and I'm grateful to all of you who have let me known you've read and even enjoyed them, and the discussions we've had here. Biggest thanks to Kyle and Aleah for overseeing this huge effort (once again, great album art!). Kyle, a question; there were tracks selected to be posted on the OCR front page with the release. I see you submitted more - did you choose these for a "single release" according to the reception they got after the release?

--Eino

Nah, they were chosen well in advance. Most of the songs that came out with and/or near the projects' release were submitted by the remixers themselves (although I did in some cases make the suggestion that they do so), but Lea and I did select a number of tracks to put through the panel as well. I will admit that I did have Antegenesis pulled after the judgement on Dark Corner, only because there is even less source in Antegenesis, and I knew it would just be a waste of time. Here's what has been submitted but not judged yet: My Secret Forest, Dream Traveler, Continental Divide, Beyond Absentminded, Mirror Image, Chaotic Heart, The Fall of Iselia, & Like a Glint.

By the way, HUGE thanks for undertaking the task of doing a detailed review on this album, Eino. I promise the next one won't take as long. :-P

evktalo

07-17-2009, 02:05 PM

Thanks for the reply, Kyle, and you're welcome.

The sine bass towards the end sounds slightly out of tune to me. I might be just hearing it like that (on headphones too), since it's so low.

I need to clarify this - not all the bass notes sound out of tune, just some of them, the lowest ones. That's why I think it's a byproduct of the low freqs.

--Eino

metaphist

07-24-2009, 05:01 PM

My favorite track so far is Horizon's Walk by Prizm and Tepid. Mad props to them, and to the staff and musicians for one epic album!

PriZm

08-18-2009, 08:15 PM

My favorite track so far is Horizon's Walk by Prizm and Tepid. Mad props to them, and to the staff and musicians for one epic album!

To be perfectly honest, I only recorded the electric guitar parts in that song, so you should direct your props to Tepid ;) Thank you for the comment.

Also thanks to evktalo for his extensive review, you have no idea how much this is appreciated by remixers.

KyleJCrb

09-14-2009, 10:33 AM

Man, someone totally removed my Nintendo Power plug in the topic title. Lame. I blame Larry.

Monobrow

10-07-2009, 05:30 PM

So like, this project still rocks because somehow it finished and got released.. IF EVEN FOR THAT REASON

Hale-Bopp

10-07-2009, 08:04 PM

Is this out yet?

KyleJCrb

10-08-2009, 12:35 AM

Finished projects are overrated.

LuketheXjesse

10-08-2009, 02:54 AM

In that case Contra 4 is totally in style.

Dhsu

10-08-2009, 07:08 AM

Acid burn!!!

SelphieFF8

11-11-2009, 05:37 AM

This is an awesome album. I can't stop listening to it. I listen to it while I play my MMOs xD

My favorites are definitely "Horizon's Walk" and "Go the Distance". They are just amazing <3

Excellent job and thank you so much for sharing it with us! Hope to see more =D

Gurkfak

01-06-2010, 09:50 PM

I haven't played any of the tales games sadly but when I listened to this remix I now want to get my hands on any tales game I can. I usually see a correlation between quality of music and quality of a game and even though I was unable to link any of the songs to game memories like the other remixes I really really enjoyed them.

K.B.

01-09-2010, 04:19 AM

What? I haven't serious-posted in this thread yet? For shame.

Tangent:
@Gurkfak: Tales of Phantasia - the first in the series - was very good. If you don't mind the dated aspects of earlier RPGs then start with that one. For timeframe, think late SNES, early PS1, since that's precisely what happened (released late on the SNES, revamped - revamped, not simply ported - for the PS1). The encounter rate was too high (even with holy potions!), but just about everything else was excellent. I played the PS1 version because I decided the enhancements and the superior fan translation (from Absolute Zero... lol at the infamous quote about Arche from the DeJap translation) made that the one to try, plus I love the PS1 soundfonts Sakuraba uses (SO2, VP1... both classics). I suppose I should mention that there is a GBA version that was actually released in NA. Which, per my research and in my opinion, didn't stack up as well. Yes, I do this with games with multiple releases but no clear definitive release.

Also, I plugged in Symphonia a couple/few weeks ago. I only got about three-ish hours in before getting distracted by non-rpgs, but man, next time I'm in the rpg mood I know I'll be hooked. I'm glad I played through my initial disgust at what I heard as a sickly rehashing of good, old tunes playing in the background, as the music, and the plot, quickly picked up. Can't say more than that and that it looks good.
End tangent.

I don't know if I ever would have gotten to either game if it weren't for this remix album. I knew ToP was one I wanted to play eventually, and likewise (to a lesser extent) with ToS, but 'eventually' with me and rpgs usually means 'never'. Too many games, not enough time. But I knew I wanted to listen to this album, and because I refuse to listen to a remix album for a game I know I'll eventually play until I actually play the game, I self-kicked my ass into popping in ToP.

And I'm glad I did, because not only did I play a great game but I also got to listen to two disks of very, very enjoyable remixes. Sorry, I still (as of edit), haven't listened to the second two disks since I started and stopped on playing ToS. But I'll get to them eventually with both another great game under my belt and a better appreciation for what you all have done.

My thanks and appreciation to everyone who helped make this awesomeness happen. Gigantic thanks to the project coordinators and everyone behind the scenes. And thanks, of course, to everyone who made me laugh my ass off in the original thread. I like turtles.